How much sun does Trailing Phlox need?

Trailing Phlox grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Trailing Phlox bloom?

Trailing Phlox blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Trailing Phlox native?

Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Trailing Phlox attract?

Trailing Phlox draws bees and butterflies.

Is Trailing Phlox HOA-friendly?

Trailing Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Trailing Phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox nivalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Trailing phlox is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that forms neat mats of small leaves topped with clusters of pink, white, or lavender flowers in spring. This compact native plant stays under 8 inches tall and spreads slowly to create attractive carpet-like coverage in partially sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Trailing Phlox is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract native bees and butterflies during an important early season nectar period. The low-growing habit also provides shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Trailing Phlox need?: Trailing Phlox grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Trailing Phlox bloom?: Trailing Phlox blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Trailing Phlox native?: Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MI and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Trailing Phlox attract?: Trailing Phlox draws bees and butterflies.
Is Trailing Phlox HOA-friendly?: Trailing Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Trailing Phlox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz